Miami RedHawks Men’s Basketball: Building on Legacy for 2025–26

The Miami RedHawks men’s basketball program is once again ready to soar into another exciting chapter. As the 2025–26 season tips off, RedHawk fans across Oxford, Ohio, are feeling a rush of pride for a program that’s blended rich history with a revitalized present under head coach Travis Steele.

A Tradition of Excellence

Since their founding in 1899, the RedHawks have been a pillar of consistency and pride within the Mid-American Conference. From NBA legend Wayne Embry to sharpshooter Wally Szczerbiak, Miami’s legacy of talent runs deep. With 17 NCAA Tournament appearances and four Sweet Sixteen finishes, the RedHawks have long proven their staying power in college basketball.

At Millett Hall, fans create an atmosphere that few arenas can match—passionate, electric, and deeply connected to their team’s success. Miami’s 18 regular-season championships stand as a testament to over a century of hard work and resilience.

The Travis Steele Era: A New Standard

Head coach Travis Steele enters his fourth season leading the program, and his impact has already been historic. Last season, Steele guided Miami to 25 wins, the most in school history, including 14 MAC victories, their best conference record since 2005–06. The RedHawks reached their first MAC Tournament Championship Game since 2007, capping a season that marked the program’s largest single-year turnaround since 1984.

Offensively, Miami flourished—averaging 80.6 points per game, up a full ten from the prior season. They led the MAC in field-goal percentage, three-point shooting, turnover margin, and steals per game. The RedHawks also set multiple school records, including 2,740 total points, 985 field goals, 363 three-pointers, and 550 assists.

Stars and Honors

Three RedHawks earned All-MAC honors last season. Peter Suder became Miami’s first First-Team All-MAC selection since 2012 after averaging 13.7 points and 3.8 assists per game, highlighted by a 42-point explosion against Air Force. Brant Byers captured MAC Freshman of the Year, while other standouts like Mekhi Lairy and Anderson Mirambeaux continued to elevate the program’s standard of excellence.

Leadership and Vision

Athletic Director David Sayler praised Steele’s leadership, stating:

“Travis Steele brings with him an exceptional recruiting pedigree and results. His unmatched energy and relentless work ethic are exactly what Miami Basketball needs.”

Steele’s recruiting success, honed during his years at Xavier, continues to pay dividends as Miami fields one of its deepest and most athletic rosters in recent memory.

New Faces, New Energy

The Freshman Class

Miami’s 2025 class introduces a wave of young talent ready to make an immediate impact:

• Trey Perry (No. 1, 6’2″, 185 lbs) – Liberty Township, OH: Three-time team captain at Lakota East, surpassing 1,000 career points and earning First-Team All-Conference and Third-Team All-State honors.

• Brady Ganley (No. 4, 6’3″, 180 lbs) – Brecksville, OH: A versatile guard and fierce competitor from Brecksville Broadview Heights.

• Justin Kirby (No. 12, 6’4″, 185 lbs) – Fishers, IN: Averaged 13 points per game and helped lead his team to the Indiana state finals as an All-Star.

• Tyler Robbins (No. 20, 6’10”, 245 lbs) – Pittsburgh, PA: Two-time WPIAL champion and record-holder for most blocks in school history.

• Leshawn Stowers (No. 21, 6’5″, 190 lbs) – Peoria, IL: Two-time First-Team All-Conference pick and a proven leader at Peoria Central.

Each brings a unique blend of skill, leadership, and determination that fits perfectly within Miami’s competitive culture.

Returning Impact Players

Rising Stars

• Kyle Waltz (No. 25, 6’7″, 200 lbs) – Elmhurst, IL: All-Conference forward who averaged 13 points and six rebounds at York High School.

• Luke Skaljac (No. 3, 6’2″, 190 lbs) – Brecksville, OH: Suburban League MVP known for his shooting touch and leadership.

• Brant Byers (No. 22, 6’8″, 200 lbs) – Chambersburg, PA: MAC Freshman of the Year and Academic All-MAC honoree, capable of lighting it up from deep.

Core Contributors

• Eian Elmer (6’6″, 215 lbs) – Covington, KY: Averaged 11.0 points per game, led the team with 50 steals, and recorded a 24-point career high vs. UMES.

• Evan Ipsaro (6’0″, 180 lbs) – Crestview Hills, KY: Played all 34 games, led the MAC in assist-to-turnover ratio, and shot .814 from the line.

Both Elmer and Ipsaro exemplify Miami’s trademark grit, leadership, and consistency.

Veteran Strength

Junior and Senior Leaders

• Ethan Wright (6’5″, 180 lbs) – Philadelphia, PA: Sharp-shooting wing with growing confidence.

• Almar Atlason (6’8″, 235 lbs) – Iceland: Former Bradley standout and All-MVC Freshman Team member bringing international experience.

• Jackson Kotecki (6’9″, 220 lbs) – Chicago, IL: Versatile forward and team captain with strong rebounding presence.

• Blake Anderson (6’4″, 205 lbs) – Evansville, IN: Developing guard known for his hustle and perimeter defense.

• Eli Yofan (6’2″, 205 lbs) – Pittsburgh, PA: Reliable senior guard with a scoring background and leadership qualities.

• Antwone Woolfolk (6’9″, 245 lbs) – Cleveland, OH: Dominant forward who started all 34 games, averaging 21 points in his season-high vs. Eastern Michigan.

The Road Ahead

The pieces are in place for another thrilling season in Oxford. The RedHawks have depth, experience, and leadership across all classes, blending veteran poise with youthful hunger. With Coach Steele’s system emphasizing pace, efficiency, and defense, Miami looks primed to challenge for another MAC title and potentially return to the NCAA Tournament.

The Red and White faithful have reason to believe—because this team isn’t just building on tradition. They’re redefining it.